CANTON — School officials are seeking $1.8 million to replace aging windows at Canton High School.

The request was presented to the board of finance Jan. 20, and selectmen referred it to the permanent municipal building committee Jan. 28.

Final approval would have to come at a special town meeting that officials are hoping to schedule in mid-March.

The town is moving quickly because officials want to include the project in a May bond sale, said Chief Adminsitratvie Officer Robert Skinner.

He said the town can save money by bundling together as many projects as it can for a bond issue. In addition, interest rates on bonds could up if the town waits until after May, Skinner said.

At the Jan. 20 finance board meeting, school officials said they want to replace 109 windows at the rear of the high school. School officials said the weather-sealing on the windows is deteriorating, allowing cold air to infiltrate. The high school building is also used for Canton Middle School.

School officials also presented a request for $3.47 million for removing hazardous materials in the town schools, mostly for removing asbestos that becomes exposed when floor tiles or carpets are replaced.

But that request was shelved for the time being. Skinner said there no hazard involved and it's possible that the environmental work can be done in phases.

The building committee is scheduled to meet Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in the community center. In addition to the windows, the committee will review planned roof replacement projects at the high school and Cherry Brook Primary School.